JPH0790032B2 - Disposable underwear - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a class of disposable undergarments used to absorb and contain urine and other body exudates. Specifically, the present invention relates to a body-fitting and naturally adjustable disposable undergarment with fasteners that lock in place. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disposable diaper having a novel structure using a novel material to enhance proper adhesion and functionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disposable undergarments are generally well known in the art, and especially in the care of infants, disposable diapers serve to absorb and contain urine and other exudates. Has become an important and indispensable hygiene product. The disposable diapers that are commercially popular nowadays are
Generally, each one is preformed and folded,
The abutting surface forms a porous layer, between which a fluid-tight padding sheet having an absorbent material is arranged. These currently popular disposable diapers have become increasingly popular to meet specific needs. However, while the currently popular disposable diapers are convenient and effective, they have some drawbacks found by the mothers of the diaper-carrying infants. There was a strong desire among mothers to make disposable diapers that were beautiful and attractive when worn by their children. The aesthetically pleasing criteria were said to include a neat and slender fit and a clean fit to the torso and legs without leaking urine or stools. Mothers also found that they did not want their children to appear crumpled, bulked or sluggish. In addition, these mothers said that disposable diapers would fit larger babies or want disposable diapers with larger dimensions.

Another deficiency found by these mothers was a problem related to itching of the skin caused by urine, feces or moisture accumulating on the skin. The demand for a disposable diaper that eliminates and solves this problem was also very strong.

Another major drawback relates to the method of fastening the diaper to the baby. The most commonly used method in the disposable diapers currently in widespread commercial use is a plastic adhesive tape. Initially, the fastening tape used in disposable diapers could not be reattached. In other words, when the mother wanted to check if the diaper was wet or to fix the diaper construction, the tape could not be reattached. That is, this means that even if the diaper is
Even though I didn't intend to replace it, I had to throw it away. Currently, disposable diapers use tape made to be re-adhered. However, the tapes currently in use, when contaminated with baby powder, baby oil, or anything else, prevent them from reattaching,
It turned out that in the worst case, it is impossible to adhere even when it is first used. Mothers have stated that they want a disposable diaper that has a fastener that can be reattached cleanly and that is not easily dislodged when the baby moves or touches. In an attempt to obtain a tape that is always re-adhesive, some manufacturers have tried using stronger adhesives on the tape. Unfortunately, however, the strong adhesive breaks the outer cover portion, again rendering the diaper unusable.

Furthermore, it can be said that the fastening tape used in the current disposable diapers does not have a good fit. Because the tape is made to fit any part of the outer cover and doesn't tell the mother where to put the tape, the tape often sticks to the outer cover in a bad position. This leads to some inconvenience. First, the diaper does not fit properly on the baby, for example, if it is too loose, the diaper may slip off or bulge over the torso, and if it is too tight, pull the outer cover. And make the baby uncomfortable. Second, improperly positioned tape creates a gap when the legs are opened, causing leakage. Third, the mothers found that if they tried to reposition the tape to fix the above problems, the dirt on the tape would increase and the diaper would become unusable.

Attempts at overcoming the shortcomings associated with current disposable diapers have spanned several years, and these attempts involved several different approaches. One way to improve the fit is to geometrically fold a rectangular diaper to reduce the apparent width of the crotch. One such method is U.S. Pat. No. Re. 26,151 by Duncan et al.
In which a rectangular diaper comprises parallel elongated collapsible box folds and flaps that overlap loosely along both sides. Another is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,196,874 to Roubeki, in which a rectangular diaper has triangular crotch folds. These two methods make it easier for infants to wear the diaper, but problems remain. First, the pre-folded rectangular diaper results in increased bulk between the legs and discomfort to the infant. Second, its non-fitting bulk makes the diaper unable to fit on both legs, leaving a gap and leaking. Third, the non-fitting sides cause the waist to slide down, creating a gap in the front of the waist of the diaper and again leaking. In addition, the gap in the front of the waist makes the diaper bulky, tight and untidy.

Attempts have been made to solve the problem of non-fitting bulk between the legs, including reducing the width of the crotch absorbent pad. However, if the material used to construct the disposable diaper is non-fitting and relatively incompatible with the skin, it will be difficult to fit snugly on the thigh, and undesired gaps will still occur. is there. Moreover, reducing the width of the absorbent pad reduces the possible absorbent capacity, which also increases the likelihood of leakage. In an attempt to reduce leaks, Buell U.S. Pat.
In No. 003, a stretchable elastic flap is provided at the edge of the diaper between the stretchable line and the edge of the absorbent pad between the crotch.

Also, trying to solve one problem may result in another problem appearing. The stretchable flap adheres tightly to the thigh because the tensile elasticity presses the flap which is easily deformed and comes into close contact with the leg. However, a snug fit at the thigh has some adverse effects. First, a tight fit causes the urine to concentrate near the diaper edge, which causes the urine to penetrate into the area between the flap and the skin, causing itching in the skin. Second, because of the need to reduce the width of the absorbent pad in order to provide a given flap width, the rest of the absorbent material becomes overwetted and again leaks occur. Third, if the reduced width absorbent material becomes too wet, it will tend to separate and lump at the crotch bottom, thus preventing fluid from migrating to the unused portion of the absorbent material. Of.

A new and improved disposable diaper is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,050,462, in which the diaper is stretchable only along the edges of the narrowed crotch area to better fit the legs while at the same time having better functional absorbent capacity. It has become. This can be accomplished by attaching a rubber strap directly to the edge of the absorbent material or by adhering the absorbent pad surface to the backing or pad of that area to form an integral structure. This causes the absorbent pad to shrink as the elastic band shrinks, thus creating overall wrinkles in the crotch area. These overall wrinkles increase the effective absorbent capacity of the absorbent pad by reducing the tendency of the absorbent material to separate and increasing the absorbent material's wicking properties.

The present invention teaches an improved anatomically-fitting, anatomically self-adjusting disposable diaper that is attractive for use on babies. It provides a slim and neat diaper. The diaper according to the present invention is neat and has a fastening portion in a leg- and waist-free and almost completely soil-proof refastenable fastening position. Furthermore, the disposable diaper according to the present invention,
It is breathable and at the same time highly leak proof.

According to the present invention, a disposable diaper that fits anatomically and is generally self-adjusting can be provided.

Conveniently, the disposable diaper of the present invention achieves a significantly improved fit and aesthetic appearance when used on a baby. Furthermore, the composition of the disposable diaper of the present invention is made of a novel material in a novel way, so that the diaper is refreshing and comfortable and does not irritate baby's skin. The outer cover of the disposable diaper of the present invention is not only breathable but also stretchable, which means that the skin is always dry and that the diaper is a snug, anatomically self-adjusting disposable diaper that fits the shape of the baby. It brings the benefits of both. The stretchable outer cover used in the disposable diaper of the present invention covers and protects all the desired places of the body, and is soft and surely fixed on the waist and legs so as not to lose its shape and to be used. There is no such thing as a spoiler.
Furthermore, the good news is that the position locking fasteners solve many of the problems with the reattachable tapes used to date. The fastening portion, which is one of the features of the present invention, has a function of reassembling and re-fastening, and it can be tightened from the torso opening to each leg opening regardless of dirt, and can be used as a torso opening during use. The distance between each leg opening is maintained as it is, so that the waist does not loosen loosely and there is no gap in the leg opening.
Because it is elastic, it does not limit the movement of the baby,
Also, since they are fastened at point-to-point positions in the most preferred embodiment, it is almost impossible for them to be falsely fastened. Another advantage of the present invention is that the waist and leg openings have edges, such as hems, that are tailored to prevent fraying.
This is the point that the hem has a good-looking appearance with the saw of the present invention.

The foregoing advantages of the present invention include an outer cover, an absorbent structure disposed within the cover, and a point-to-point fastening portion for securing a diaper on the wearer's body.
Anatomically shaped and generally obtained in a self-adjusting disposable diaper. The outer cover can elastically expand and contract in at least one direction, and in one embodiment of the invention the outer cover expands and contracts laterally of the body. The outer cover is elastic and flexible in the range of about 20% to 200%. The features of the automatic adjustment of the present invention are achieved by a new structure and a new material, and a diaper having a neat appearance and a good appearance when a baby wears it is obtained. The elastic, stretchable outer cover allows the diaper to automatically adjust to different anatomical features to accommodate varying baby belly and crotch dimensions. The feature of self-adjusting is not only for different anatomical features, but also for different positions and movements of the baby, for example different sleeping positions that the baby will take, different playing conditions. It is concerned with the ability of the diaper to be self-adjusting for movement at the same time as time of movement, for example walking, yes, or running out along the floor. Whatever your baby does, the disposable diaper of the present invention is "self-adjusting" to maintain a neat appearance for a slender look. The absorbent structure closely matches the baby's body shape. It fits by allowing the crotch portion of the absorbent structure to expand and contract so that the edges of the absorbent structure converge to form a cup when worn by the wearer. .. The absorbent structure comprises a liquid-permeable bodyside pad portion, a liquid-tight protective portion and an absorbent component disposed therebetween. The elastic member brings the elastic member to the body-side contact portion when the absorbent structure is constrained so as to be flat. When the restraint is removed, the elastic member causes the absorbent structure to be cup-shaped.

As described above, the present invention relates generally to disposable diapers that absorb and store urine and other body exudates. More particularly, the present invention relates to a disposable diaper that is anatomically conformal and generally self-adjusting to provide an aesthetically pleasing fit to the wearer's body. More particularly, the present invention has a fastening portion for fixing the position to the outer cover in order to firmly attach the diaper to the wearer. Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention as described above will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Of course, the following description does not limit the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment) In each of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. First
1A through 1D, a disposable diaper 10 worn by a baby is shown. Hems are formed in the waist opening 12 and the leg openings 14. Position 16 of the fastener is shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1D. FIG. 1D shows the minimum extent to which the diaper will move from its initial position, shown by the dash line 18, after being worn by the infant for a period of time.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention. The outer cover 20 is shown in plan view, on which the absorbent structure 22 is arranged. The outer cover 20 is shown with the leg hem 24, the back waist flap 26, and the front waist flap 28 unfolded. Fold lines 30 are shown, where the rear waist flap 26 is folded. Similarly, the fold line 32 is shown, however, where the front waist flap 28 is folded. Fold line 34
The hem 24 is folded where is shown. Line 36 shows the perimeter of absorbent material 38. In FIG. 3 in connection with FIG. 2, the absorbent structure 22 comprises a body-side padding portion 42 that allows liquid to pass therethrough, which is adhered to a liquid impermeable barrier 44 between them. An absorbent material 38 is arranged. Barrier
Any suitable means may be used to bond the bodyside pad 42 to 44. The preferred method of gluing the body-facing portion 42 to the barrier 44 is a self-adhesive such as a bond made by sonic or ultrasonic energy. The function of bonding between the bodyside portion 42 and the barrier 44 is to maintain the absorbent material 38 disposed therebetween and to maintain the absorbent structure 22 as a single structure. Depending on the absorber 38,
The bond between the bodyside portion 42 and the barrier 44 may be continuous or may be a series of dots. In the drawing, only some self-adhesive points 40 are shown for clarity. Other methods may be used, namely pressure or heat sensitive adhesives, and these are considered within the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent structure
22 is arranged on the outer cover 20. The materials that make up each component will be described in the figures below.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. 2 with waist flaps 26 and 28 which are folded over the absorbent structure 22 into pockets 29 and. Forming 31. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a folded and glued hem 24. Also, any method of bonding may be used, however, self-bonding is the preferred method and a series of point bonds 46 are shown. Also shown is a self-adhesive 48 that adheres flaps 26 and 28 to the outer cover. As can be seen, the flaps 26 and 28 are folded over the ends of the absorbent structure 22 to maintain the absorbent structure 22 in position relative to the outer cover 20 without limiting the stretchability of the outer cover 20. FIG. 5 shows 5-5 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line, showing the relationship of the waist flap 26 when folded over the absorbent structure 22. Of particular note is the waist flap 26 or 28 also on the outer cover 20.
There is also no direct adhesive holding the ends of the absorbent structure 22. By this, the outer cover
It ensures that the stretchability of 20 cannot be constrained by the absorbent structure 22. Front and rear waist flaps
26 and 28 plus an outer cover at the crotch of the diaper
20 A self-adhesive 50 is shown that adheres the absorbent structure 22. Although these adhesives suppress the elasticity of the crotch portion of the outer cover 20, it is not necessary for the outer cover to extend in the lateral direction of the body at the crotch portion, so the adhesive is used for the outer cover. There is no problem in functionality.

6 to 9 show another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention. As seen in all of FIGS. 6-9, the absorbent structure 22 includes a body-side support portion 42.
And a liquid impermeable barrier 44, with an absorbent 38 disposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, the body-side abutment portion 42 is adhered to the barrier 44 as described in the previous embodiment. It is adhered to the outer cover 20 rather than being attached. To maintain the shape of the absorbent component 38 during manufacture, the absorbent component may be wrapped in tissue or the tissue 43 may be glued to the barrier 44 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. May be. The body-side contact portion 42 is adhered to the outer cover 20 when the outer cover 20 is in the stretched state. This bodyside contact portion 42 can be adhered to the outer cover 20 by conventional methods using a suitable method, which is the self-adhesive 45 described above. 8 and 9 show the disposable diaper shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 when the outer cover 20 is in an unstretched state. The shape is not dimensionally accurate. In particular, according to FIG. 9 which is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8, after the body-side contact portion 42 is adhered to the outer cover,
When the outer cover 20 is loose, the body-side contact part 42 is
It can be seen that 20 pulls to the underside of the absorbent structure 22. And, as can be seen, this method does not interfere with the stretchability of the outer cover 20. The disposable diaper shown through FIGS. 6-9 has a relatively narrow hem 52 and 54 at the rear rather than the wide hem created by the waist flaps 26 and 28 shown in FIGS. 2-5. It has a waist part and a front waist part, respectively.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention, in which the elastic member 56 is arranged inside the crotch portion of the absorbent structure 22. The elastic member 56 is snugly adhered to either the bodyside portion 42 or the barrier 44. Preferably, the elastic member 56 is adhered to the body-side contact portion 42. This is because, when the diaper is put on an infant, the absorbent structure 22 becomes a cup-shaped body by pulling the elastic member 56. The elastic member 56 restrains the absorbent structure 22 in a flat state,
It is attached to the body-side contact portion 42. When the restraint is released, the elastic member 56 makes the absorbent structure 22 into a cup shape. Self-adhesive that bonds body-side rest 42 to barrier 44
40, like self-adhesive 48, is only partially shown in FIG. It is worth noting that the absorbent structure 22 covers the outside.
The self-adhesive 50 that adheres to the 20 is what is shown inside the elastic member 56. Also, in FIGS. 10 and 10A, a waist tuck 57 is shown at the outermost portions of the rear waist flap 26 and the front waist flap 28. The waist tack 57 makes the waist clear when the diaper is fixed to the baby, and has a smooth shape near the position of the fastening portion. Waist tack
57 are cross-sectional views taken along the line 10A-10A in FIG. 10 which are located near the front ends of the front and rear waist flaps 26 and 28, respectively.
It is folded as shown more clearly in Figure 10A. The length labeled 59 in the figure is 1/4 inch (approximately 0.6
Cm) to 1/2 inch (about 1.2 cm) with a folded length 61 of about 1/4 inch (about 0.6 cm)
Is. In addition to making the baby's waist clearer, the waist tack 57 keeps the waist more closely to the baby's skin, thereby leaving no gaps in the waist. There are no gaps, the baby's diaper looks better, and the waist fits more comfortably without undue tension on the waist. The waist tack is preferably held in place 63 with a self-adhesive. As mentioned above, other bonding methods may be used and are considered within the scope of the invention.

11 and 12 show yet another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention in which the elastic member 58 is located within the rear waist flap 26 and the elastic member 60 is at the front. It is located in the waist flap 28. Elastic member
62 is located in the waist hem 24. Figure 12 is 12 of Figure 11
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line -12, showing elastic members 56 and 62 disposed on absorbent structure 22 and leg hem 24, respectively. As mentioned earlier, self-adhesive 50
The liquid impermeable barrier 44 is adhered to the outer cover 20, while the self-adhesive 40 is adhered to the liquid impermeable layer 44 of the absorbent structure with the absorbent 38 having the liquid permeable layer 42 disposed therebetween. Also the 12th
The figure shows that the self-adhesive 46 adheres the hem 24 to the outer cover 20 with an elastic member 62 disposed within the hem 24. Note that the hem 24 consists of a portion of the outer cover 20.

13 and 13A are different from the disposable diaper shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 in that the elastic member 58 is attached to the hem 52 and the elastic member 60 is attached.
In the hem 54 and the elastic member 62 in the leg hem 24. FIG. 13A, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. 13, shows a waist tack 65 similar to the waist tack 57 described with respect to FIGS. 10 and 10A. The tack 65 shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A is shown in a folded state and has the elastic member 58 built therein. This fixes the elastic member 58. The explanation regarding the fixing of the elastic member will be given in the explanation regarding FIG.

14 to 16 show an embodiment of a fixing point fastening portion, that is, a fastener attached to the outer cover 20. The outer cover 20 is generally made up of a rear waist portion 64, a front waist portion 66 and a crotch portion 68 disposed therebetween. Back waist 64
A pair of fastener members 70 and 72 are attached to the outermost portion of the above, which will be described in detail with reference to the drawings described later. A pair of fastener members 74 and 76 are attached to the outermost portion of the front waist portion 66, which will also be described in detail with reference to the figures below. Note that the fastener members 70 and 72
Is attached to the inside of the outer cover 20, while the fastener member
74 and 76 are to be mounted on the outside of the outer cover 20. It is further noted that the fastener members 70 and 72 can be fastened to the outside of the outer cover 20 and the fastener members 74 and 76 can be attached to the inside of the outer cover 20. Figure 14 shows an outer cover with self-adhesive 78
Shown are fastener members 70, 72, 74 and 76 attached to 20. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14, showing fastener member 72 attached to outer cover 20 with self-adhesive 78. Other methods of adhering the fastener member 72 to the outer cover 20 can of course be considered, and the invention is not limited to the self-adhesive. Figure 16 shows
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG.
7 shows a fastener member 76 adhered to the outer cover 20 by. Similarly, it goes without saying that other methods can be used to bond the fastener member 76 to the outer cover 20. 14 to 16 show a pair of fasteners 70 and
It illustrates how the outermost portion of the rear waist portion 64 overlaps the front waist portion 66 when 72 is associated with a pair of fasteners 74 and 76. This method of lap fastening will be apparent in FIGS. 17 and 18.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, FIG. 17 shows the relative positional relationship of the fasteners, and therefore shows the diaper when one fastener is opened and attached to the baby. Figure 18 shows 18 of Figure 17.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line -18, showing that the fastener member 70 and the fastener member 74 overlapping the fastener member 70 are bonded to the outer cover 20 with a self-adhesive 78. Note that the first portion 77 of the outer cover 20 overlaps the second portion 79 of the outer cover 20.

Still another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. In this embodiment, outer cover extension members 80 and 82 include front waist portion 66.
Mounted on the outermost part of the. Fastener member 74
And 76 are attached to extension members 80 and 82. As described above, the extension members 80 and 82 are attached to the front waist portion of the outer cover 20.
To the outermost portion of 66, and to the fastener members 74 and
The method of attaching 76 to extensions 80 and 82 can be any of several methods known in the art including adhesives, stiffening, riveting, sewing, and the like. In this embodiment, the fastener members 70, 72, 7
Install 4,76 extension members 80,82, and extension members 80,82
The self-adhesion is illustrated graphically by the point 78 with respect to attaching the to the outer cover 20.

Further, FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 show how the waist and leg hem are made elastic. One method of providing elasticity is elastic members 58 and 60 on the waist.
, And by using elastic members 62 for leg hem 24. As can be seen, the elastic members 58, 60, 62 may be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention, but are shown here only for clarity for clarity. The elastic member includes an ordinary elastic material used in the diaper manufacturing technology, such as a thin ribbon of natural rubber. A preferred method of providing elasticity to the waist and / or leg hem is H. St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Extruding a hot melt pressure sensitive elastic adhesive as marketed under the trademark "FULLASTIC" by B. Fuller. It should be noted that the elastic member of the waist in FIG. 19 is
It is shown that each fastener member is fastened to each end. For example, the elastic member 58 is secured to each end by fastener members 70 and 72. Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, the elastic member at the waist may be stopped by the tack 65. Similarly,
The elastic member 60 is fastened to each end by fastener members 74 and 76. The elastic members 62 on both legs are also stopped by respective fastener members. By stopping the elastic members, the forces are evenly distributed, thereby damaging or eliminating wasteful tension from any part of the diaper, thereby preventing gaps. Therefore, the leakage of urine and excrement will be eliminated.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 showing a state in which one of the fasteners is attached to an opened child to show the relationship of the fastener members. First
FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line 23-23 in FIG. 23rd
The figure schematically shows a butt joint 88 as a result of the addition of extension members 80, 82. It should be noted that the joint portion 88 does not overlap the two portions of the outer cover 20 and are in contact with each other.

24 and 25 show examples of fixed position fastener members 70 and 74, respectively. It is contemplated that the fastener members 70,74 can be manufactured by several methods. One way to effectively create fastener members 70, 74 is to design them so that they are extruded to a considerable length, whereby the individual members cut from a significant length of material. It is possible.
Large lengths are rolled up and stored in subsequent strokes. Yet another aspect of effective production is to design the fastener members to have the same cross section so that each fastener member can be cut from the same roll of material.

The fastener members 70, 74 must also be carefully designed and carefully selected so that they do not scratch or crease the baby's skin and at the same time do not easily come off. Must be made from materials.

Another factor that must be considered in selecting the material for the fastener members 70, 74 is the method of attachment to the underwear or the method of integrating the fastener members 70, 74 with the underwear. For example, if self-adhesion is to be used, it is necessary to choose a material that can self-adhere.

The selection criteria for the material and design of the fastener members 70, 74 are:
To consider the moment of inertia (I) of the material in relation to the elastic modulus (E). The selection criteria for the product of (E) and (I) are as follows. The values (E) and (I) are determined by the material / design combination. That is, the values (E) (I) are determined for a particular design using a particular material. Value (E)
(I) is the second textbook "Mechanical Engineering Design" by Joseph E. Sigray, published by Tuna Hill Co., Ltd. in 1972.
Calculated from the following formula taken from page 699 of the edition.

EI = L ³ M / 48 where M is obtained from ASTM test D-790 and L is defined by ASTM test D-790.

For example, in fastener members such as fastener members 70, 74, the material / design combination with (E) (I) in the range of about 0.5 pounds square inches to about 3.5 pounds square inches may be combined fasteners. It has been found that 70,74 is suitable for not damaging the wearer's skin under normal use and under normal conditions and for preventing it from coming off under normal use and under normal conditions. Value (E) (I)
A particularly preferred range of about 0.9 pounds per square inch to about
It is 3.4 pounds per square inch.

The elastic modulus (E) can be determined for various materials from the standard table. If within the range of about 4,000 psi to about 60,000 psi, and more preferably about 6,000 psi to about 40,000 ps
Once a material with an elastic modulus in the range of i is chosen, it is easy to obtain satisfactory values (E) (I). Table 1 lists representative materials and their elastic moduli.

As can be seen, the proper design of fastener members and proper selection of fastener materials are of paramount importance to the comfort and functionality of underwear. If the fastener member is not very stretchy, it is uncomfortable and vulnerable to the wearer. If the fastener member is too stretchable, it is difficult to tighten and cannot be left under normal use and under normal conditions, nor can it retain its shape. That is, the underwear is rolled up or becomes dull.

Referring again to FIG. 24, the fastener member 70 has a flat portion.
It generally consists of a 90, a hole 92 and two molded clasps 94, 96. The fastener member 70 shown in Figure 24 is obtained by cutting a portion of length "X" from a continuous roll of material as described above. A cross-section of the entire length "X" of that portion shows the portion cut at line 105. A hole 92 is then provided which cuts out a portion of the material from the flat portion 90 and a portion of the clasp material between clasps 94 and 96.

FIG. 25 shows the fastener member 74. (The same applies to the fastener member 76). Fastener member 74 is made in the same manner as fastener member 70 described above. The fastener member 74 is cut from a continuous roll of material (not shown). The roll of this material is preferably a fastener member.
70 is the same as the roll to be cut. in this case,
The member 74 generally comprises a flat portion 98, a hole 100 and two fasteners 1.
It consists of 02 and 104. The member is cut with a length "X '" which is slightly longer than the length "X" of the fastener member 70, the reason for which will be described later. Further, in FIG. 25, the length of the hole 100 is smaller than that of the hole 92 shown in FIG. Fasteners 102 and 1
The ends of 04 are sufficiently larger than the ends of the stops 94 and 96 so that the ends of the stops 94 and 96 can be interconnected under the stops 102 and 104. The sides of the clasps 102 and 104 may be glued to the flat portion 98 as shown at 106. The preferred method of gluing is self-adhesion, the self-adhesive being indicated at 106.

Referring to Figures 24 and 25, and the EI values above, the EI values for the area indicated by line 105 (Figure 24) and line 109 (Figure 25) are 0.5-3.5 pounds-square. It is selected to be in the inch range, and preferably in the 0.9-3.5 pound-square inch range. Line 103 (No. 24
E) over the area indicated by (Fig.) And line 107 (Fig. 25)
The value of I is selected to be in the range of 0.002 to 0.010 pounds-square inch.

In FIG. 26, the individual fasteners 102 and 94 interconnected are shown.
It is shown. The interrelationship between the fastener and the desired relationship of lengths "X" (Fig. 24) and "X '" (Fig. 25) is apparent here. The fastener members have auxiliary cross-section portions for mating and are removably interconnectable. The self-adhesive 106 for adhering the edge of the fastening part 102 to the flat part 98 has a double folding function. One gives the zipper stability, and the second has a fastening 94
Do not slip from the side of the fastening part 102.

In describing the materials used for each portion, it is desirable that the liquid permeable bodyside pad portion 42 used in the disposable diaper of the present invention meet the following criteria. One is the body-side contact part
42 is dry, ie, absorbent structure pair 22 has a dry feel after absorbing urine. A measure of this criterion is that the bodyside pad 42 feels dry after being touched by the absorbent structure after the image-bearing urine has been absorbed by the absorbent structure. Secondly, when the fluid permeability in the Z direction of the body-side contact portion 42 (the direction toward the outer side from the body side to the outer cover) is such that the urine of an infant is discharged, the urine can be transmitted to the absorbent. It is high enough. The third is a touch color,
There is a further criterion of opacity, these being other colors but the most preferred and satisfactory are white materials, which have sufficient opacity to cover the color of urine or excrement in the absorbent material. There is something. The fourth is the body-side contact part 42
Is capable of self-adhesion to the liquid impermeable barrier 44. The barrier 44 is preferably made of polypropylene, although other liquid impermeable materials can be used.

The body rest is of soft, compressible material made of synthetic fibers such as polyester / polypropylene and is spaced to provide a denser zone for fluid movement. Is integrally bonded to the upper pad portion of.

Such a web is described in the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,64
No. 4 (outside the inventor Mattews), but the description is also cited in the text. The top pad is in the pattern of a spunbonded web of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, etc. bonded together. The applied basis weight of the body-side pad is in the range of about 30-100 g / m ² . It must have an overall wetting finish. The bottom layer of the body-facing part is typically a carded web of polyester / polypropylene fiber containing up to 100% polyester fiber, preferably 25-50% polyester staple, so that it is wettable. Sufficiently finished with a surfactant. DuPont 5.5 denier 2-inch polyester staple with wet finish, Type T808, hollow fiber is preferred, but other wettable polyester staple fibers are acceptable. Hercules
Inc.) polypropylene type T-123 is also preferred as it has a 3 denier wet finish with 1-7 / 8 inch staples. The webs are only glued together via spaced adhesives that attach to the patch, which are typically obtained by thermal or ultrasonic bonding. The bottom layer is also formed by other non-woven processes such as spunbonding,
Therein, the filaments are spun and collected in a wire screen without gluing and then glued to the preglued patch as described above. It is, for example, 0.2-0 of Rohm and Haas Co.
It has a wet finish as obtained by treatment with 5% TRITON X-102, or an equivalent surfactant.

The outer cover 20 of the present invention is preferably about 20 percent to 20 percent.
Made from elastic stretch material with stretchability up to 0%. The term stretchability used here has the following relationship.

Stretchability = [(final dimension-initial dimension) / initial dimension] × 100% The outer cover 20 is elastic, that is, the outer cover returns to the initial dimension when the stretching force is removed.

The elastic material having such an elastic pressure property can be obtained from the applicant's US application number () (inventor Tony.J.Wis
neski and Michael T. Morman) “Polyolefin-Co
ntaining Extrudable Compositions and Methods for t
"Heir Formation into Elastomeric Products," which is incorporated herein by reference to form an elastomeric product, such as a fibrous, non-woven elastomeric web, after extrusion. The present invention provides a composition of an extrudable elastomer that solidifies as described above.
(1) ABA 'block copolymers consisting of at least about 10 percent by weight (A and A')
Is a thermoplastic polymer endblock each containing a styrene group such as poly (vinylarene), B is an elastomeric poly (ethylene-butylene) midblock), and (2) a polyolefin with a weight of less than 0 percent. This polyolefin is mixed with a mixture of up to 90 percent.
-A 'mixed with the block copolymer and, when subjected to appropriate high pressure and high temperature conditions, in mixed form, ABA'
It can be extruded with the block copolymer. A
The -BA 'block copolymer serves to impart elastomeric properties to the product formed from the extrudable components, and the presence of the polyolefin in the mixed state is
It serves to control the viscosity of the components compared to the viscosity of the pure ABA 'copolymer, thus enhancing the extrudability of the components.

Suitably, the thermoplastic styrene family of A and A'containing the endblocks of the block copolymer is selected from the group comprising polystyrene and the polystyrene family, for example poly- (alpha-methylstyrene).
In some embodiments, the endblock containing A and A'thermoplastic styrene families are the same. Preferably,
The polyolefin is selected from the group comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, butene copolymers or at least one polymer selected from blends of two or three of these materials.

A typical formulation is a block copolymer that weighs at least about 20.
% To about 95% by weight and at least about 5% to about 80% by weight polyolefin. For example, the formulation may include from about 30% to about 90% by weight block copolymer and from about 10% to about 70% by weight polyolefin. Preferably, the formulation is one that includes from about 50% to about 90% by weight block copolymer and from about 10% to about 50% by weight polyolefin. For example, the formulation can also include from about 50% to about 70% by weight block copolymer and from about 30% to about 50% polyolefin. One formulation contains about 60% by weight polyolefin. The extrudable composition is extruded or otherwise formed by a molding process, such as injection molding, under suitable and effective combinations of high pressure and high temperature conditions. These conditions will vary with the polyolefin used. For example, if polyethylene is used as the polyolefin in the formulation, the extruded component is extruded at a temperature of at least about 125 ° C,
If, for example, polypropylene is used in the formulation,
The ingredients are extruded at a temperature of at least about 175 ° C, for example at a temperature of at least about 290 ° C to about 345 ° C, and in particular:
At a temperature of at least about 300 ° C to about 335 ° C, it is extruded into an elastomeric product, such as elastomeric fibers, which is collected as a nonwoven elastomeric web of fibers.

Suitably, the formulation is within the die tip (eg, having 30 extruded capillaries per inch of line of the die tip, each capillary having a diameter of 0.0145 inches and a length of 0.11 inches).
The above temperatures at high pressures of less than about 300 pounds / inch ² gauge, for example pressures of about 20 pounds / inch ² gauge to about 250 pounds / inch ² gauge, in die chips with extrusion capillaries that are 3 inches). Extruded within range. In particular, the formulation is within the temperature range described above at pressures from about 50 pounds / inch ² gauge to about 250 pounds / inch ² gauge, for example pressures from about 125 pounds / inch ² gauge to about 225 pounds / inch ² . Extruded. Higher pressures are used with other dice types having a smaller number of capillaries per die per inch, but generally result in lower production rates.

Importantly, it was found that the presence of the polyolefin in the extruded component reduces the extruded component's viscosity to a sufficient level compared to the viscosity of the pure block copolymer so that the extruded component is fully extruded throughout. It was If all other parameters remain the same, this reduced viscosity proportionally reduces the die tip pressure. For example, the viscosity of the extruded component is generally about 500 poise or less when extruded within the above temperature and pressure ranges. Preferably, the viscosity of the extruded component is less than or equal to about 300 poise within the elevated temperature and elevated pressure ranges described above. For example, the viscosity of the extruded component when extruded under the elevated temperature and pressure conditions described above is at least about 100 poises to about 200 poises.

Since polyolefins reduce the viscosity of the formulation as compared to the viscosity of the block copolymer, the extruded component may be, for example, 30 capillaries with a diameter of about 0.0145 inches and a length of about 0.113 inches per die square inch. Extruded through at least one capillary through a die having a rate of about 0.02 grams / minute to about 1.7 grams / minute or more. For example,
The extruded component is extruded at a rate of from about 0.1 grams / minute to about 1.25 grams / minute in at least one capillary through the die mold described above having a capillary diameter of about 0.0145 inches and a length of about 0.113 inches. . Suitably, the extruded component is about
One capillary is extruded at a rate of at least about 0.3 grams / minute to about 1.1 grams / minute through the die tip described above having a diameter of 0.0145 inches and a length of about 0.113 inches.

The extruded component preferably has micron fibers of average diameter no greater than about 100 microns and preferably has an average basis weight of less than or equal to about 300 grams / m ² , eg, about 5 grams / m ^2. To fibrous non-woven elastomeric webs having an average basis weight of up to about 100 grams / m ² or more. More particularly, the average basis weight is between about 10 grams / m ² and about 75 grams / m ² . For example, fibrous nonwoven webs are formed by extruding extruded components at suitable or efficient combinations of elevated temperature and elevated pressure conditions. Preferably, the extrusion component is from at least 125 ° C if the polyolefin is polyethylene or from at least about 175 ° C if the polyolefin is polypropylene, for example from about 290 ° C to about 345 ° C, and more particularly, It is extruded at temperatures of about 300 ° C to about 335 ° C. Suitably, the extruded components are within the temperature and pressure ranges mentioned above in die-type chips of about 300 lb / in ² gauge or less, such as from about 20 lb / in ² gauge to about 250 lb / in ² gauge. , (For example, in a die tip capillary with 30 diameters per linear inch of the die tip, each having a diameter of about 0.0145 inches and a length of about 0.113 inches). More specifically, the extruded component has a pressure of about 50 lbs / in ² gauge to about 250 lbs / in ² gauge, such as about 125
Extruded in capillaries of the die tip described above from lb / in ² gauge to about 225 lb / in ² gauge.

In forming the elastomeric nonwoven web, the extruded components are
At the above elevated temperature and elevated pressure conditions, at least about
From 0.02 g / capillary / min to about 1.7 g / capillary / min or more, for example, at least 0.1 g / capillary / min to about 1.25 g / capillary / min, and more specifically, at least about 0.3 g / capillary / min to about The molten stream is extruded into the gas stream as a molten thread at a rate of up to 1.1 grams / capillary / minute through a die mold with multiple extruded capillaries of small diameter, which gas stream drives the molten thread. The thinning results in a flow of gas-generated microfibers which are then formed into a fibrous, non-woven elastomeric web and collected where they accumulate. The tapered gas stream may be at a temperature of at least about 100 ° C. to about 400 ° C., such as about 200 ° C. to about 350 ° C. and at least about 0.5 lb / in ² gauge to about 20 lb / in ² gauge, for example at least Both are applied to the melt yarn at pressures from about 1 pound / in ² gauge to about 10 pounds / in ² gauge. The thread-thinning gas stream may be an inert, non-oxidizing gas stream, such as a stream of nitrogen gas. In some embodiments, the velocity and temperature of the gas stream that thins the thread is
The fibers are adjusted to have a diameter of about 10 microns to about 60 microns, such as at least about 10 microns to about 40 microns, being substantially continuously collected. The fibrous non-woven elastomeric web so formed has at least about 10% by weight of the block copolymer and 0%.
Included are elastomeric fibers comprised by weight or more and up to about 90% by weight polyolefin. The fibers usually consist of at least about 20% to about 95% by weight block copolymer and at least about 5% to about 80% by weight polyolefin. For example, the fiber comprises at least about 30% to about 90% by weight block copolymer and at least about 10% to about 70% by weight polyolefin. Preferably, the fibers comprise from about 50% to about 90% by weight block copolymer and at least about 10% to about 50% by weight polyolefin. For example, fibers may include at least about 50% to about 70% by weight of block copolymer and at least about 30% by weight.
It comprises from about 50% to about 50% by weight of polyolefin.

Another such elastically stretchable material is U.S. patent application serial number () of the present application (inventors Jack D. Taylor and Michael J. Vanderwillen) entitled "Composite Elastomeric Material and Process for M".
"Aking the same", which is cited in the text. The application creates a synthetic elastic material comprising at least one assemblable web adhered to at least one elastic web. Method, ie (a)
Tensioning and elongating elastic webs (including fibrous webs, such as nonwoven webs of elastomeric fibers, including meltblown elastomeric fibers);
(B) bonding an elongated elastic web to at least one collectable web under conditions that soften at least the elastic web portion to form a bonded synthetic web; and (c) combining the synthetic web. A method is provided that includes unraveling immediately after the bonding step so that the collectable web is collected to form a synthetic elastic material. The fibrous elastic web may also be fibered in the stretched state during bonding to a length of at least about 25 percent, preferably about 25 percent to greater than 500 percent, such as about 25 percent to 550 percent. The method also includes overlapping the elastic web and the collectable web and applying heat and pressure to the overlapping webs, for example to determine the location of adhesion of the elastic webs at least about 65 ° C.
To about 120 ° C., preferably at least about 70 ° C. to about 90 ° C., to bond the elongated elastic web to the collectable web.

The present application also provides an elastic synthetic material comprising an elastic web adhered to at least one assemblable web, wherein the assemblable web stretches with the elastic web as the synthetic material is stretched or loosened. It is possible, and the elastic synthetic material is produced by the method described above. Also provided is an elastic web that is adhered to the collectable web in a repeating pattern at a plurality of spaced locations so that the collectable web is collected between the bonded locations. The elastic web comprises a nonwoven web of elastomeric fibers, preferably elastomeric microfibers such as, for example, meltblown elastomeric fibers or elastomeric nonwoven webs of elastomeric films.

Elastic synthetic materials include any one or more of the following combinations: That is, the elastomer fiber, preferably the melt-blown elastomer fiber,
(I) A-B-A 'block copolymer (A and A'
Are the same or different end blocks, each being a thermoplastic polymer end block or segment,
It is intended to include a styrene group such as polystyrene or polystyrenes, and B is an elastomeric polymer midblock or segment, for example, from the group comprising poly (ethylene-butylene), polyisoprene and polybudadiene. Is a midblock selected from poly (ethylene-butylene). )
And (ii) a blend of A-B-A 'block copolymer of (1) and one or more polyolefins. B is a poly (ethylene-butylene) midblock.

Also, each of the A and A'end blocks is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene and polystyrenes, such as poly (alphamethylstyrene), and A-B- where B is a poly (ethylene-butylene) midblock.
When the elastomeric fiber is formed from a blend of A'block copolymer and one or more polyolefins, the polyolefin is selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers and butene copolymers. Elastomer films and elastomeric non-woven webs, e.g., elastomeric fibers that form melt-blown microfibers, have a content of at least 10 percent, such as at least 20 percent, especially at least 30 percent, such as about 10 percent to 90 percent. By weight of the ABA 'block copolymer and from 0 percent by weight or more, for example, from about 90 percent to about 10 percent by weight polyolefin. An elastic web, such as a fibrous elastic web, is adhered to the collecting web in a repeating pattern in a plurality of spaced fields, and the collectable web is collected between the adhered sites. Preferably, the elastic web is from about 5 to about 300 grams / m ^2, preferably from about 5 to about 200 grams / m ² ,
It has a low basis weight of, for example, about 5 to about 100 grams / m ² , but higher basis weights are possible. The assemblable web comprises a group of nonwoven non-elastic materials, preferably polyester fibers such as poly (ethylene terephthalate) fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyamide fibers such as nylon fibers, cellulose fibers such as cotton fibers, and mixtures thereof. A fiber formed of a material selected from On the other hand, the assemblable web may be any suitable woven fiber. In a particular respect, the components of the ABA 'polymer used are such that the sum of the molecular weights of A and A'is A-
About 14 to 31 percent of the molecular weight of the B-A 'block copolymer (when B is poly (ethylene-butylene)
14 to 29 percent).

Further, such elastic stretchable material is described in the applicant's US patent application number () (inventor Michael J. Mohmann), title "Composite Nonwoven Elas.
tic Web ", which reference is also made to the text. The application is directed to a method for making a synthetic nonwoven elastic web comprising a nonwoven elastic web bonded to a fibrous nonwoven assemblable web. In particular, the method described therein produces a synthetic nonwoven elastic web in a loose, unstretched state, which comprises a gathered nonwoven fibrous web bonded to a nonwoven elastic web, The nonwoven elastic web is loosened from a stretched, biased length to a relaxed, non-biased, non-stretched length to collect the fibrous, non-woven, collectable web. Means that the fibrous, non-woven collectable web is formed directly on the surface of the non-woven elastic web, while the non-woven elastic web is maintained in an elongated, biased, elongated condition. The web is formed, for example, by melt-blasting or other methods, for example, the nonwoven elastic web may be a perforated web of elastic film as opposed to a melt-blasted fibrous nonwoven elastic web. The formed nonwoven elastic web has a conventional relaxed, unstretched, non-biased length, and the nonwoven elastic web is then elongated to an extended biased length and elongated. In a subsequent step of, the fibrous, non-woven collectable web is formed directly on the surface of the non-woven elastic web, for example by either melt-spraying or spin-bonding methods or other forming methods. On the other hand, the non-woven elastic web is maintained at its elongated stretched and biased length During formation of the fibrous non-woven collectable web, the non-woven elastic web is At least 125 percent of relaxed, unbiased length,
That is, the length is maintained at 1 1/4 times. For example, the stretched, biased length of a nonwoven elastic web is at least about 12 of the loose, unbiased length of a nonwoven elastic web.
It is in the range of 5% to about 700% or more. The fibrous non-woven collectable web is bonded to the non-woven elastic web while the non-woven elastic web is maintained in its elongated stretched biased length. This results in the formation of a synthetic nonwoven elastic web that includes a nonwoven elastic web bonded to a fibrous nonwoven collectable web. Because the fibrous non-woven collectable web is formed directly on the surface of the non-woven elastic web and the non-woven elastic web is maintained at an extended biased length, the non-woven elastic web is , Elongated, stretched and biased. The fibrous non-woven assemblable web is not gathered but is put in a gathered state. In some embodiments, the bonding of the fibrous, non-woven collectable web to the non-woven elastic web is obtained by thermal bonding which fuses the two webs together. This thermal bonding forms about 50 ° C below the melting temperature of at least one of the materials used to form one of the at least two webs to at least one of the two webs. It can be carried out within the range up to the melting temperature of at least one of the substances used to prepare it. At high throughput rates, thermal bonding can be performed above the melting temperature of one or more of the materials used to form the web. Thermal bonding can also be done under any conventional pressure conditions. If desired, conventional sonic bonding techniques may be substituted for the heat bonding step.

According to yet another embodiment of the present application, bonding a fibrous non-woven collectable web to a stretched non-woven elastic web allows for the assembly of the fibrous non-woven collectible web during formation of the fibrous non-woven collectible web on the surface of the elastic web. It is obtained only by entwining the individual fibers of the web with the nonwoven elastic web. If the non-woven elastic web is a fibrous non-woven elastic web formed, for example, by melt-blown, entwining the individual fibers of the fibrous non-woven collectable web with the fibrous non-woven elastic web is It is obtained by entwining individual fibers of a property-collectable web with individual fibers of a fibrous elastic web. If the nonwoven elastic web is a perforated film, bonding the fibrous nonwoven web with the film is accomplished by entanglement of the individual fibers of the fibrous assemblable web within the holes of the film. Bonding the two webs together is also obtained by forming the tacky elastic material described below, a nonwoven elastic web from the method. Moreover, the bonding of the two webs together is further enhanced by exerting pressure on the two webs after the collectable web is formed on the surface of the elastic web. A better way of joining the two webs is obtained by providing the upper surface of the nonwoven elastic web with a tacky material prior to forming it into the fibrous assemblable web.

After the two webs have been joined together to form a synthetic elastic web, the biasing force is removed from the synthetic nonwoven elastic web so that the synthetic elastic web has its normal relaxed, non-biased length. To be loosened. The fibrous non-woven collectable web is bonded to the non-woven elastic web while extending to the non-woven elastic web, so that as a result of loosening the synthetic non-woven elastic web, the non-woven elastic web is contracted. It will be carried with the web and thus collected. After gathering the non-woven collectable web by reducing the biasing force on the non-woven elastic web, the non-woven elastic web is produced by producers such as disposable underwear taught by the present invention. Rolled for storage or packing for the manufacturing process of production.

As mentioned above, the method described in U.S. patent application Ser.
Is a thermoplastic polystyrene or polystyrene endblock, respectively, and B is an elastic polyisoprene midblock, or an ABA 'block copolymer or such ABA' block copolymer and poly (alpha-methylstyrene). Formed by a melt-blown microfiber of a tacky elastic material such as In some embodiments, A is the same thermoplastic polystyrene or polystyrene endblock as A '. The cohesive fibrous non-woven elastic web is then elongated by stretching it into an elongated, elongated length, and the fibrous non-woven collectable web is, for example, directly on the surface of the cohesive fibrous non-woven elastic web. While formed by melt-blowing or spin-bonding a collectable web,
The fibrous nonwoven elastic web is maintained in its stretched length. As a result of the tackiness of the fibrous non-woven elastic web, the fibrous non-woven collectable web is simultaneously formed on the surface of the tacky fibrous non-woven elastic web and is adhesively bonded. The result of this is the formation of a synthetic nonwoven elastic web having a non-aggregated fibrous assemblable web adhesively bonded to a cohesive fibrous nonwoven elastic web to bond two webs together by adhesive bonding. It occurs during the formation of a fibrous non-woven collectable web on the surface of a fibrous non-woven elastic web. The two webs are adhesively bonded to each other after the synthetic web has been formed, and before the fibrous cohesive nonwoven elastic web is loosened, the unheated synthetic nonwoven elastic web is passed through the nip between the rollers. By passing it through, the synthetic non-woven elastic web is pressurized and strengthened. The adhesive bond is further enhanced by applying an adhesive to the surface of the cohesive fibrous nonwoven elastic web prior to forming the collectable web therein. The synthetic nonwoven elastic web is then loosened to its normal loosened, unbiased length. Since the fibrous non-woven collectable web is bonded to the adhesive fibrous non-woven elastic web, while the adhesive fibrous non-woven elastic web is in the stretched state, it loosens the synthetic non-woven elastic web and thus the adhesive fibrous non-woven elastic web. As a result, the collectable web is carried with the shrinking fibrous nonwoven elastic web and thus collected. After the assembly of the fibrous non-woven collectable web has occurred, the synthetic non-woven elastic web may be wound into rolls for storage or used in the manufacturing process of disposable underwear production, such as the disposable underwear taught by the present invention. It is brought directly.

U.S. Patent Application No. () also relates to a synthetic nonwoven elastic web comprising a nonwoven elastic web bonded to a gathered collectable fibrous nonwoven web, the synthetic web being an embodiment of the method described above. It is formed by either. In particular, the relaxed, non-stretched synthetic nonwoven elastic web comprises a nonwoven elastic web bonded to a fibrous nonwoven assemblable web and the assemblable web comprises a nonwoven elastic web. Collected as a result of loosening from an elongated stretched biased length to a loose unbiased stretched length. Exemplary elastomeric materials for use in forming fibrous nonwoven elastic webs include polyester elastomeric materials, polyurethane elastomeric materials and polyamide elastomeric materials. Another elastomeric material used to form the fibrous nonwoven elastic web is (a) a thermoplastic polymer endblock in which A and A'each include a styrene group, where A is such as poly (vinyl allene). An A-B-A 'block copolymer, which is the same thermoplastic polymer endblock as A', B is an elastomeric polymer midblock such as a conjugated diene or low alkene, or
(B) A and A'are thermoplastic polymer endblocks each containing a styrene group, A is the same thermoplastic polymer endblock as A ', such as poly (vinylarene), and B is a conjugated diene. Or AB- which is an elastomeric polymer midblock such as a low alkene
Includes mixtures of A'block copolymers with one or more polyolefins or poly (alpha-methylstyrene). The A and A'end blocks are selected from the group including polystyrene or polystyrenes, and the B middle block is selected from the group including polyisoprene, polybutanediene or poly (ethylene-butylene). If A and A'are selected from the group comprising polystyrene or polystyrenes,
And if B is poly (ethylene-butylene),
The materials mixed with these block copolymers are polymers including ethylene, propylene, butene, other low alkene copolymers or one or more of these materials. If A and A'are selected from the group including polystyrene or polystyrenes and B is a polyisoprene midblock, the material for mixing with this type of block copolymer is poly (alpha-methylstyrene). .

It will be appreciated that the description of the methods for making suitable materials for the outer cover 20 and of the materials suitable for use as the outer cover is by way of example only, and not limitation. Other elastically extensible materials can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Various materials are envisioned for use as the absorbent component, including fibrous materials, foams, particles and the like. Generally, the most economical fluid absorbent for use in disposable diapers has been absorbent fibers. The most commonly used absorbent fibers are cellulosic fibers, such as ground wood pulp, commonly known to those skilled in the art as "pulp fluff" or simply "fluff." It has been found that absorbent components made from these fibers generally have low density and high fluid absorption capacity, but their wicking capacity is relatively poor. Prior art attempts to solve this relatively poor wicking capability are taught in US Pat. No. 4,213,459 issued to Sigl and assigned to the applicant. U.S. Pat. Suggests a way to become. Another attempt to solve the problem of poor wicking capacity is to provide the absorbent component with at least two layers of cellulose fibers of different densities or different average pore sizes. The absorbent component is a fluf, which is located just below the body-side rest 42.
f) with a first low density layer of cellulosic fibres, etc., and below the first layer a second high density layer of fluff. As a "dominant" softwood pulp fluff is used in each of the above layers. On the other hand,
The layer of "dominant" softwood fluff is used for the first layer and the "dominant" hardwood fluff is used for the second layer, in this case the first layer and the second layer. It is the average pore size, not the density, that varies between. In this description, "dominant" means at least about 80%, while "dominant" means at least about 50%. Another means is to change the size of the holes without necessarily changing the density. This can be done because hardwood fluff has smaller pore sizes than softwood fluff. And as a result,
If hardwood fluff fibers are used instead of high density softwood fluff fibers, two different size pore distributions are obtained, even if the density of each layer is the same. Thus, for example, the structure of coarse pores in the first layer obtained from the "dominant" softwood fluff pulp and the structure of the fine pores in the second layer consisting of the "dominant" hardwood fluff are included. , A densified two-component fluff sandwich throughout is used.

A second aspect of the absorbent component relates to including a portion of the hydrogel in the portion of the absorbent component. The term "hydrogel" as used herein refers to one or more hydrocolloid materials that are capable of absorbing many times their own weight of water or aqueous fluids. These materials are generally made by polymerizing one or more monomers that, when homopolymerized by conventional methods, form a water-soluble polymer. In order to render them suitable for the invention which are insoluble in water,
These polymers or polymer mixtures are often often reacted with crosslinkers to form crosslinked polymers, thus providing some limited water insolubility while remaining swellable in water or water-containing fluids. ing. Pseudo-crosslinking is also obtained by entanglement of the chains of high molecular weight polymers, resulting in water insoluble properties. Typically, these hydrocolloids are salts of their variations such as polyacrylic acid and methacrylic acid. Commercially, they are “WATER” from Grain Processing.
LOCK ", available from Arakawa Chemical Company of America" ARASORB720 ", and Nippon Shokubai under the trademark" AQUALICCA ". Other hydrogels have also been grafted onto starch or cellulose backbones and cross-linked carboxylate cellulose. Includes hydrophilic polymers.

The hydrogel is between the first dense layer and the second dense layer,
Alternatively, it is sandwiched between a low density layer and a high density layer. The hydrogel may also be placed adjacent to the high density layer, which may then be covered with the low density layer. In addition to the absorbent component being organized into layers, the hydrogel may be incorporated into the absorbent component as a powder, fiber, etc. to form a mixture. In that case, the absorbent component provides a uniform density enhancement in all layers in the range from 0.1 g / cc. To 0.35 g / cc.

As used herein, the term "density" refers to the density of the component structure of the low or high density layer, not the actual fiber density. (The actual fiber density is about 1.5 g / cc.) The density of the low density layer is about 0.03.
To about 0.14 g / cc., Preferably about 0.07 to 0.11 g / cc. High density layer is about 0.14 to about
The desired capillaries are provided having a density in the range of 0.35 g / cc., Preferably in the range of about 0.16 to about 0.3 g / cc and without extra rigidity. The density in these preferred ranges is the density measured under a load of 0.2 psi.

Powdered wood pulp is preferred as the absorbent fiber, but other cellulosic fibers such as cotton linters can also be used. A preferred fluff is bleached pine wood kraftwood pulp (i.e. made by the well-known sulphate method), which can be purchased from International Paper Company. A suitable hardwood fluff pulp is Southern Hardwood Craft, which weyerhauser
Available as "New Bern 309" from Company.

Still other aspects may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, a dense fluff layer may also have a low density for isomorphic (meltblown polymer fibers in combination with wood pulp and / or staple fibers) webs, carded webs, gas formed (staplewood pulp blend) webs. Used with other absorbers such as.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the absorbent component is 2-98.
% Mixture of filling material and hydrogel material. The "filling material" includes a wide variety of materials in the form of powders, fibers or particles such as absorbent fibers, where the absorbent fibers are cellulose fibers (as described above), hydrophilic materials, or hydrophobic water. It is a sexual substance. The filling material is treated with a surfactant,
Improves the wettability of the surface. In the examples, polyethylene,
Polypropylene, and polyolefins such as polystyrene, as well as natural minor absorbent soils, mica, or vegetables (eg corn stalk) debris, as well as mixtures of these substances at the same time. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,782 (Mazurak et al.). The description is cited in the text.

The surfactants used according to the invention are AEROSOL OT
(American Cyanamid), TEEPOL610 (Particle Data La
boratories Ltd.), NEODOL-27 (shell, chemical company), DUOMEEN-361 (Armour Industrial Chemic
Al Company), and ionized or non-ionized materials such as TRITON X-102 (Rohm and Haas Company).

The fill material is first uniformly moistened with about 20% by weight of the surfactant solution containing about 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of the surfactant. The hydrogel powder is then added and mixed well so that the ingredients are well mixed and integrated throughout. The hydrogel particles expand slightly and adhere to the filling material. After drying, the mixture is preferably subjected to a slight mechanical effort to break the mass. In use, the filler material serves to rapidly wick liquids throughout the mixture and substantially eliminate the tendency to form gel blocks. While not wishing to limit the invention to any particular logic, it is believed that the surfactants, on the other hand, cause the dried hydrogel to swell slightly to become sticky, causing it to adhere to the filler particles. ing. For this reason, the filler is preferably moist, containing up to about 10% water by weight prior to mixing with the surfactant solution.

The amount of filler material is in the range of 2-98% by weight, with a preferred amount being in the range of 5 to 95% by weight, more preferably 25% to 7.% based on the amount of hydrogel material.
5%. The surfactant is preferably added to the filler in an amount of about 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0.1% to 0.2% by weight, based on the amount of non-absorbent filler. . The packing material is of a relatively large average particle diameter in the range of 1-10,000 times the average hydrogel particle diameter, preferably 1-1000 times and optimally 10-100 times.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is needless to say that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a front view of the disposable diaper of the present invention showing a state where it is attached to a baby, FIG. 1B is a front view of the disposable diaper of the present invention showing a state where it is attached to a baby, and FIG. FIG. 1D is a rear view of the disposable diaper of the present invention, and FIG. 1D is a front view of the disposable diaper of the present invention showing the arrangement of the disposable diaper of the present invention after being worn for a certain period of time. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention shown in a semi-finished state. A plan view, FIG. 7 is taken along line 7-7 in FIG. Fig. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment shown in Fig. 6 in a finished state, Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 is FIG. 10A is a plan view of still another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention, FIG. 10A is a sectional view taken along the line 10A-10A shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the embodiment, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a view showing still another embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13A-13A in FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 is a first view of attaching the fixed position fastener to the diaper.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention showing the method of FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. Fig. 17, Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention when attached to a wearer, Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along the line 18-18 of Fig. 17, and Fig. 19 is fixed. Second position fastener attached to diaper
The top view of the disposable diaper of the present invention showing the method of FIG. 20, FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line 20-20 of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention when attached to a wearer, FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22, and FIG. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of one member, FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second member of a fixed position fastener, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of two members of a fixed position fastener shown in an interlocked position. 10 …… Disposable diaper 12 …… Waist opening 14 …… Leg opening 16 …… Zipper position 20 …… Outer cover 22 …… Absorber structure 24 …… Hems 26,28 …… Body flap 38 …… Absorber Component 42 …… Body-side contact part 44 …… Barrier 46,48 …… Adhesive 54 …… Hem 56 …… Elastic member 57 …… Tack 62 …… Elastic member 70,72,74,76 …… Zipper member 80, 82 ... extension member

Claims (51)

[Claims] 1. A pair of longitudinal ends, a crotch portion located between the pair of end portions and having both side edges, and a longitudinal centerline formed along each of the both side edges of the crotch portion. A pair of elastic leg openings that define an elastic line that is equidistant to, a liquid-permeable body-side abutment, and a liquid-impermeable barrier located approximately in the same range as the abutment, and An absorbent structure including an absorbent material arranged between the crotch portion, and a pair of elastic elements fixed to the pad portion at least inside the crotch portion over the entire length of the crotch portion. , The pair of elastic elements are substantially parallel to each other, equidistant to the longitudinal centerline, and in a relaxed state, a second pair of elastic lines straddling the longitudinal centerline. Trough shape with edges that define and extend the abutment And the elastic element retains the padding portion against the wearer's skin along the extensible edge and reduces lateral flow of exudates from the leg opening. Disposable absorbent garment, characterized in that it forms a barrier to limit leakage. 2. The disposable absorbent garment according to claim 1, wherein front and rear waist portions that define waist openings located at the pair of longitudinal ends and crotch portions located between the waist portions. An elastically extensible outer cover having a panel and a panel and a rear panel separated by the crotch portion panel, wherein the abutting portion of the absorbent structure, the barrier and the absorbent are Another insert is formed on the outer cover so that the insert is substantially overlapped with the outer cover, and the insert has an attaching means for attaching and integrating the insert to the outer cover without impairing the extensibility of the outer cover. Disposable absorbent clothing. 3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element restrains the absorbent body structure in a flat state and attaches it to the lower side of the pad portion in an extended state,
The clothing is characterized in that, when the restraint is removed, the absorbent structure is contracted at its end portion to form a cup shape with the body-side contact portion inside. 4. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the outer cover is elastically extensible in a range of 20 to 200%. 5. The garment according to claim 4, wherein the outer cover is laterally extensible. 6. The garment according to claim 5, wherein the outer cover is a non-woven fabric made of an elastomer material. 7. The garment according to claim 6, wherein the outer cover is formed by laminating an elastic web on one or more layers of a wrinkleable nonwoven web. 8. The garment according to claim 7, wherein the outer cover is formed by laminating one or more layers of a wrinkleable nonwoven web and an elastic nonwoven web. .. 9. The garment according to claim 8, wherein the elastic nonwoven web of the outer cover is made of polyolefin. 10. The garment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the elastic nonwoven web of the outer cover is a co-extruded ABA 'block copolymer. Clothing to do. 11. The garment according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the elastic nonwoven fabric is a web formed by melt blowing. 12. The garment according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the one or more layers of wrinkleable nonwoven web are meltblown, spunbond, carded, Alternatively, a garment formed by an air stratification method. 13. A garment according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has a hem in any one of the leg block opening and the waist block opening. 14. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which has a fastener means for fixing the garment to a wearer's body. 15. The garment according to claim 14, wherein the fastener means is a fixed point fastening fastener means. 16. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the insert is attached to and integrated with the outer cover with the outer cover extended. 17. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the outer cover is air permeable. 18. A pair of longitudinal ends, a crotch portion located between the pair of end portions, and a crotch portion formed along each of both side edge portions of the crotch portion and located on both sides with respect to a longitudinal centerline. A pair of elastic leg openings that define elastically contractible lines, a liquid-permeable bodyside pad, a liquid-impermeable barrier approximately in the same area as the pad, and between them. An absorbent structure having an absorbent material disposed in the absorbent material, the absorbent material having a lateral edge portion facing the absorbent material, and the pad portion over a range of the crotch portion at a position inward of the lateral edge portion of the absorbent material. A pair of elastic elements fixed to the elastic element, wherein the elastic element extends in the longitudinal direction and is separated from the longitudinal centerline on both sides, and extends over the longitudinal centerline. To define the abutment into a trough with extendable edges. The elastic element retains the padding portion against the wearer's skin along the extensible edge, reducing lateral flow of exudates and preventing leakage from the leg openings. Disposable diaper characterized in that it now forms a barrier that limits 19. The disposable diaper according to claim 18, further comprising front and rear waist portions located at the pair of longitudinal ends to define a waist opening, and a crotch portion panel located between the waist portions. An elastically extensible outer cover having a front panel and a rear panel separated by the crotch panel, wherein the padding portion of the absorbent structure, the barrier and the absorbent are Another insert is formed on the cover so that the insert is substantially overlapped with the cover, and the insert has an attaching means for attaching and integrating the insert to the outer cover without impairing the extensibility of the outer cover. A disposable diaper to be used. 20. The diaper according to claim 18, wherein the elastic element restrains the absorber structure in a flat state and attaches it in an extended state to the lower side of the pad portion, When the restraint is removed, the absorbent structure has a cup shape with its end portion contracted so that the body-side contact portion is inside. 21. The diaper according to claim 19, wherein the outer cover is elastically expandable in the range of 20 to 200%. 22. The diaper according to claim 21, wherein the outer cover is extendable at least in the lateral direction. 23. The diaper according to claim 22, wherein the outer cover is a nonwoven fabric made of an elastomer material. 24. The diaper according to claim 23, wherein the outer cover is formed by laminating an elastic web on one or more layers of a wrinkleable nonwoven web. 25. The diaper according to claim 24, wherein the outer cover comprises one or more layers of a wrinkleable nonwoven web and an elastic nonwoven web laminated thereon. . 26. The diaper according to claim 25, wherein the elastic non-woven web of the outer cover is made of polyolefin. 27. The diaper according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the elastic nonwoven web of the outer cover is a co-extruded ABA 'block copolymer. A diaper to do. 28. The diaper according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the elastic nonwoven fabric is a web formed by melt blowing. 29. The diaper according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the one or more layers of wrinkleable nonwoven web are melt blown, spun bond, carded, Alternatively, a diaper formed by an air stratification method. 30. The diaper according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the diaper has a hem at any one of the leg block opening and the waist block opening. 31. A diaper according to any one of claims 18 to 30, characterized in that it has fastener means for fixing it to the wearer's body. 32. The diaper according to claim 31, wherein the fastener means is a fixed point fastening fastener means. 33. The diaper according to claim 19, wherein the insert is attached to and integrated with the outer cover with the outer cover extended. 34. The diaper according to any one of claims 18 to 33, wherein the outer cover is air permeable. 35. A crotch portion having a pair of longitudinal end portions, a pair of side edge portions located between the pair of end portions and defining a pair of leg openings, and each of the both side edge portions of the crotch portion. A first elastic member coupled to provide elasticity to the leg opening to adapt the leg opening to a wearer; a liquid permeable bodyside pad portion; and a liquid impermeable material disposed in substantially the same area as the pad portion. An absorbent structure including a flexible barrier and an absorbent material disposed therebetween; a pair of longitudinally extending second elastic members coupled to the pad portion over at least the area of the crotch portion; One of the second elastic members is located inwardly spaced from each of the first elastic members, the second elastic member is arranged to impart elasticity to a pair of abutting portions, Prevents a gap from being formed between the wearer Disposable garments, characterized in that. 36. The disposable garment according to claim 35, further comprising: front and rear waist portions that define waist openings located at the pair of longitudinal ends, and a crotch portion panel located between the waist portions. An elastically extensible outer cover having a front panel and a rear panel separated by the crotch panel, wherein the padding portion of the absorbent structure, the barrier and the absorbent are Another insert is formed on the cover so that the insert is substantially overlapped with the cover, and the insert has an attaching means for attaching and integrating the insert to the outer cover without impairing the extensibility of the outer cover. Disposable clothing. 37. The disposable garment according to claim 35, wherein the elastic element restrains the absorber structure in a flat state and attaches it to the lower side of the pad portion in an extended state. The disposable garment is characterized in that, when the restraint is removed, the absorbent structure has a cup shape with its end contracted so that the body-side contact portion is inside. 38. The disposable garment according to claim 36, wherein the outer cover is elastically extensible in the range of 20 to 200%. 39. The disposable garment according to claim 38, wherein the outer cover is laterally extensible. 40. The disposable garment according to claim 39, wherein the outer cover is a nonwoven fabric made of an elastomer material. 41. The disposable garment according to claim 40, wherein the outer cover is formed by laminating an elastic web on one or more layers of a wrinkleable nonwoven web. clothing. 42. The disposable garment according to claim 41, wherein the outer cover is formed by laminating an elastic nonwoven fabric web on one or more layers of a wrinkleable nonwoven fabric web. Disposable clothing. 43. The disposable garment according to claim 41, wherein the elastic nonwoven fabric web of the outer cover is made of polyolefin. 44. The disposable garment according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the elastic nonwoven web of the outer cover is a co-extruded ABA 'block copolymer. And disposable clothing. 45. The disposable garment according to any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the elastic nonwoven fabric is a web formed by melt blowing. 46. The disposable garment according to any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the one or more layers of wrinkleable nonwoven web are melt blown, spun bond, carded. Or a disposable garment formed by an air stratification method. 47. The disposable garment according to any one of claims 35 to 46, wherein the disposable garment has a hem in any one of the leg block opening and the waist block opening. clothing. 48. The disposable garment according to any one of claims 35 to 47, characterized in that it has fastener means for fixing it to the wearer's body. . 49. The disposable garment according to claim 48, wherein the fastener means is a fixing point fastening fastener means. 50. The disposable garment according to claim 36, wherein the insert is attached to and integrated with the outer cover with the outer cover extended. clothing. 51. The disposable garment according to any one of claims 35 to 50, wherein the outer cover is air permeable.